[pruett]

I am brand new to cnc machines . I am building a cnc machine with a 3 axis 4x4 table using a bosch 1617evs router. I am looking for a cad/cam program that is newbie friendly and affordable for a home hobbyist . I will use mach for my controller . I don't want to spend a fortune on software so solidworks etc. is way out of my price range . Thanks in adVance.

[ger21]

A large number of router builders start with Vectric's V Carve Pro.
Keep in mind that "affordable" means different things to different people.

[pruett]

A large number of router builders start with Vectric's V Carve Pro.
Keep in mind that "affordable" means different things to different people.

Affordable to me is under say 300.00 bucks . Yes others might say 3,000 but I am not wealthy either lol . Just a hobbyist with somewhat limited funds .

[dune1982]

Have a look at FILOU NC12 it is a professional CAM-Software with some CAD functions, but they offer a hobby version for private use.

[victorofga]

you can try artcam express


great to starting..

150
it makes all type toolpathing like need for sheetgoods
it imports 3d models, and you can mill reliefs..

vcarving...

makes backlighted projects, where you mill a thin corian and it lighted back resembling a photo..


if it still too much.. then try the F-engrave what is free
makes the profile type toolpathing
vcarving
and pocketing...

inkscape

draftsight

theres mecsoft visualcad works with solidmodels, also has a free milling modul..



this age favor for hobbyist..
just make sure you see it right

draftsight actually can be said as an autocad """clone"" .. tough it made by other company, but works for users exactly same way

If you learn draftsight, then youll cabaple to work with autcad..

drafsight can make exact 3d meshmodels..
you can export in dxf format and some other program like accutrans3d, another 20 dollar professional program, will convert from dxf to obj, 3ds or stl...

and list is very long..

[Mike 1948]

A large number of router builders start with Vectric's V Carve Pro.
Keep in mind that "affordable" means different things to different people.

I agree with Gerry, Vectric's Vcarve pro is really good for the hobbyist enthusiast. At $600 it is a little more than what you want to spend but it is very versatile, CAD & CAM. It also plays very nice with Mach. Also if you want to upgrade to their premium Aspire in the future, they will apply part of the Vcarve price towards the upgrade. Check the website, they offer free 30 trial versions of all their products.

Mike

[Dean448]

For 2 1/2D at a lower cost check out Cambam.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[stucapco]

Hack everything! Buy the one works for you. I'm sorry, if i had to pay big dollars on speculation I would not be here now. Trial ware? Not always a good indicator.

I support the software that works for me (I really do).

[SteveWill]

I am also new and the learning curve is steep. My machine is control by mach3,
I am using CamBam, I first use their old version, it is free, (bottom of their list) It does 2.5D OK, but it give you something to learn on. Once you learn to use the old version, you can move up to the newest version with very little learning curve if it matches your needs. You get 40 tries before you have to buy it. about $150. It does all I need.
CAD I am using Punch ViaCAD. The wine cup that they draw in 1 minute took me an 1/2hour to copy what they did. I can now do it as fast as they did. The more that I use it the better I like it, I have use solidworks, it is better but different. But for what I am doing Via CAD is faster and easier, If you shop around a little you can get a down Rev for about $50. You can upgrade later for another $100.
I am also using NC Corrector to veiw the code output from CamBam to Mach3. Free
The above will get you started, with little money, and as you learn and find out how you want to use your CNC you can change to software that matches your needs without losing to much money.
Youtube was a great teacher.